The History of Candles - How This Industry Came About
Since ancient times, candles have illuminated humanity's path. Before electricity, they were a primary source of light—essential in religious ceremonies, rituals, nighttime navigation, and even as timekeepers.
🏺 From ancient civilizations to the Middle Ages
The first candles date back to around 3,000 BC, when the Egyptians created torches from fibers soaked in tallow. The Romans developed something closer to modern candles, using wicks dipped in animal fat.
For centuries, animal tallow (usually from cows or sheep) was the basis of most candles—even though it had an unpleasant smell and an unstable burn.
🍯 The role of beeswax in evolution
In medieval Europe, beeswax candles became popular in churches and noble homes. Their clean burn and sweet, natural aroma were highly prized—but their high cost made them unaffordable for the common people.
It was one of the first signs that the quality of the wax directly influenced the candle experience.
🐋 Centuries later… whale cetyl
In the 18th century, the discovery of spermaceti (cetyl or cetin)—a waxy substance extracted from the heads of whales—revolutionized candlemaking. It produced a brighter light, had a mild odor, and was more heat-resistant.
However, the environmental and ethical impact was severe.
🏭 The invention of the candle making machine
In 1834, Joseph Morgan invented the first candle molding machine. The equipment allowed for the production of thousands of candles per hour, making manufacturing faster, more uniform, and more economical. This advancement ushered in large-scale production, forever changing the candle industry.
🛢️ The paraffin boom
A few years later, in 1850, paraffin wax emerged—a cheap and abundant byproduct of the petroleum industry. It quickly became the primary raw material for industrial candles, due to its availability and low cost.
However, despite making candles even more popular, paraffin releases toxic compounds during burning, distancing them from the concept of a natural product.
🌿 The shift: from enlightenment to well-being
These days, candles have gone from being a practical necessity to a symbol of comfort , celebration , and self-care . They're used to create cozy atmospheres, relax at the end of the day, or add charm to décor.
With this change in purpose, the search for more conscious and sustainable alternatives also grows.
This is where natural waxes come in, such as:
- Soy wax : vegetable-based, biodegradable, clean-burning and excellent fragrance diffusion.
- Beeswax : natural, purifying, with a unique aroma and color.
✨ The future is made of conscious choices
The history of candles continues to be written — with new values, new concerns, and a return to the essentials.
At Candlys, we handcraft our products using natural waxes, safe fragrances, and a deep respect for the air we breathe.
💛 Discover our natural bee and soy candles — a simple gesture that connects past, present, and future with light, scent, and intention.